I have been fascinated by people, by stories for as long as I could remember. As a little girl I was obsessed with movies and books, getting lost in the worlds of others. I spent hours drawing and painting, writing poetry, or absolutely enveloped by characters. In high school my love for photography was sparked in the dark room, skipping other classes to hold on to any extra time I could to see those portraits take shape under the red light. It was always portraits that truly moved me. I loved the challenge of trying to catch a real moment with someone or making them feel comfortable enough with me to let that veil drop that we all carry around with us. I carried that love with me to college where I minored in visual art and was able to continue my film photography education. It was then that I was also introduced to calligraphy and lettering, which would quickly become another great love. My major was creative writing which only guaranteed by continual obsession with people and stories.
After college I spent a few years convinced that I could never make a living with my art. I didn't know that you could LOVE your job. In the winter of 2014 I decided I would take the plunge and quit my day job. Since then I have been so very lucky to have worked with countless couples, families, and people all over the world documenting their lives or designing art for them.
I am constantly looking for new people to work with whether you are traveling somewhere to elope or would like me to document your family in a real and relaxed way. My goal is to collaborate with you as I document you and the people you love!
I live in Boulder, CO with my sweet husband Dustin and our adorable son Octavio "Tavo" who we adopted in 2015 from the Denver Foster Care System. We also have two friendly pups named Olive and Dobby.
FAQS
why manzanita?
manzanita means "little apple" in spanish and it was my great grand-mother's nick name. She was the matriarch of my mother's family and while I was very young when she passed her presence has always been a part of mine and my family's lives. Manzanita symbolizes strength, feminism, thought, education, birth, and I mean I could go on and on. My mother, sister, best friend, and I all have a matching apple tattoo on our wrists.
do you only shoot elopements?
I specialize in elopements and intimate weddings, but if you feel connected to me and my work definitely reach out and we can see if I would be a good fit for your big day!
do you have insurance?
yes I do!
what kind of equipment do you use?
I am a canon girl and I shoot with a variety of prime lenses. My favorites are 35L, 85L, 50L and 45mm tilt.
do you still shoot film?
I do, but mostly for personal work. I will incorporate film into any session for a package add on.
what do you use to edit your photos?
I edit in Lightroom with VSCO. I own all of the film packs and I luh them.
do you travel for elopements or family sessions?
yes yes yes! I adore traveling and I would love to come to you where ever in the world that may be. I require air fare, rental car, and lodging.
everyone in your photos looks so natural, I am really awkward, do you still want to photograph me?
Of course! I think out of everyone I have ever photographed there may have been about 2 people who actually said they "liked" getting their photo taken. Most people are awkward and most people don't feel super cozy in front of the camera. My job is make you feel comfortable! Some people need direction, some people just need to talk and pretend I don't have a camera in my hand, and some people strike a pose. I love all of you!
when and where is your next calligraphy workshop?
Yes! So glad you asked! Here is a link to my future workshops. If you are not in Colorado but really want me manzanita to come to your town throw me an email and maybe a couple of location suggestions and I bet we can make it happen!